Unplugging from the hustle and bustle of the world... while still being able to pick up and answer your phone calls and, of course, enjoy your music wirelessly: these are the features of a closed Bluetooth headset. In a highly competitive market, it is no longer just the quality of sound reproduction that is a key argument for so-called premium brands, but also the principle of active noise reduction. In this respect, Sony is up against front-runner Bose with the WH-1000XM3, the third generation of its wireless noise-cancelling headphones, which year on year continues to improve its noise reduction system, user-friendliness and the ability to customise sound distribution criteria without compromising on audio quality.
The main feature of these closed-back headphones, which every business traveller will appreciate, is that they provide a real cocoon, protected from any noise pollution, whether you're listening to music or not! Sony has used the HD QN1 processor to optimise the efficiency and power of its noise reduction system. In addition to the noise of cars and aircraft engines, this new component reduces the background noise of everyday life and human voices. But it's easy to get out of your bubble of silence. A question from the steward about your choice of menu mid-flight? No need to take off your headphones, just place the palm of your hand on the right earpiece of your handset to temporarily cancel the noise reduction system and listen to the person you are talking to. Conversely, you can activate your active noise reduction system without listening to music, so you can drift off to a good night's sleep away from the chatter of a chatty neighbour.
In addition to a button for switching on the system and pairing it with your smartphone via Bluetooth, and another button for activating the noise reduction or external sound amplification system, all you have to do is use the touch-sensitive surface on the right-hand side to control the volume, change tracks or pause the system. Using Sony's dedicated application, you can also customise the sound reproduction, depending on whether you prefer to emphasise the midrange or the bass, for example. The personalised control also automatically detects current activity, such as walking in the street. You can also activate the atmospheric pressure optimisation function to adapt your noise reduction system as soon as you reach altitude. A real plus for air travel!
This Bluetooth headset doubles up as a hands-free kit, making conversations easier thanks to the integration of several microphones. You can also activate Google Assistant if the headset is paired with your smartphone. Acoustic quality is as good as ever, but this third version of Sony's flagship noise-cancelling headset has been slightly redesigned to optimise comfort. In addition to weighing 255 grams, slightly lighter than the previous version, the ear cushions are wider and very soft, and the headband is more comfortable. The whole thing folds away into its own little carrying case. With a maximum battery life of 30 hours, it's also a great performer, with rapid recharging via the USB-C port.
One drawback, however, is that these headphones do not have multipoint Bluetooth, which would enable them to be paired with a smartphone and computer, for example. Strangely enough, Bluetooth is not available for the latest 5.0 generation. The fact remains that these headphones are resolutely premium in terms of their multi-use value, suited to the daily lives of mobile executives.
